Post by: Brick on February 01, 2016, 04:32:43 PM
My wife Patricia and her service dog Trent are flying into Albany, NY on Sunday. She will be renting a car for the event.
Chris's girl friend, Janet is also flying in I don't know his/her plans.
Oh yea, and I'm winning this year's bike raffle bike! So there! Take that!
Last year's STAR is the only one I missed since 1992.
Hope to see ALL Y'all there!
Post by: Patmo on February 01, 2016, 04:41:29 PM
Post by: RIDEMYST on February 01, 2016, 05:21:08 PM
Post by: Landon on February 01, 2016, 06:57:54 PM
Where's Albany NC? -JEP- ???
Seems like if she was going to fly there she would just drive up from home :o
I'm in for Star though.
Post by: Ohiomsta on February 01, 2016, 08:20:30 PM
Post by: normkern on February 02, 2016, 07:52:30 AM
Norm Kern
Post by: stevegrab on February 02, 2016, 06:42:53 PM
Now to find some decent alternative to slabbing all the way there, not a problem as I'm allowing 2 days.
Post by: touringman on February 02, 2016, 10:30:22 PM
Post by: DirtFlier on February 03, 2016, 07:49:41 AM
From where you live, that will be two very long days on surface roads. Maybe going for a 50-50 mix of slab and surface roads is more realistic?
Post by: boatanchor on February 04, 2016, 04:47:19 PM
Post by: qman8 on February 05, 2016, 03:22:50 PM
;D
Post by: stevegrab on February 05, 2016, 04:32:53 PM
[Now to find some decent alternative to slabbing all the way there, not a problem as I'm allowing 2 days. Steve...]Yep probably the case, looks like close to 600 miles on direct route, so more than that on back roads. Will put some heads together here at some point and look at options.
From where you live, that will be two very long days on surface roads. Maybe going for a 50-50 mix of slab and surface roads is more realistic?
I'll have 4-5 days to explore that area and the roads between on the way home.
Post by: qman8 on February 09, 2016, 03:17:32 PM
[Now to find some decent alternative to slabbing all the way there, not a problem as I'm allowing 2 days. Steve...]Yep probably the case, looks like close to 600 miles on direct route, so more than that on back roads. Will put some heads together here at some point and look at options.
From where you live, that will be two very long days on surface roads. Maybe going for a 50-50 mix of slab and surface roads is more realistic?
I'll have 4-5 days to explore that area and the roads between on the way home.
That's really not too bad. We went from N. Sydney NS to Ohio in 3 days...about 1500 miles....immediately after hopping off the redeye ferry from Newfoundland...mix of slab and backroads, and I know Steve isn't talking about dirt or gravel.
Post by: wvoutpost on February 13, 2016, 04:04:39 PM
Post by: erniee on February 14, 2016, 12:35:34 PM
Post by: STbob1300 on February 21, 2016, 09:52:52 AM
Post by: Brick on February 21, 2016, 07:37:29 PM
Ruth and I plan on attending. First STAR since Johnson City! We'll be flying into Manchester, NH, rent a car and drive to Bedford, MA to visit my folks, then drive to Burlington, VT and visit Ruth's sister. Renting a bike from MotoVermont in Burlington and riding down to Stratton for STAR. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Post by: Mooose on February 23, 2016, 10:29:15 PM
Post by: Bocephus on February 24, 2016, 11:17:34 AM
Post by: STbob1300 on March 03, 2016, 11:46:12 AM
Someone set me straight please!
Post by: Patmo on March 03, 2016, 03:04:16 PM
Post by: STbob1300 on March 03, 2016, 03:20:28 PM
Post by: BlueRidgeGal on March 03, 2016, 07:26:24 PM
Post by: normkern on March 04, 2016, 08:31:54 AM
Norm Kern
Post by: ipnman on March 04, 2016, 08:57:27 AM
Need some help with STAR lodging here. I think I'm missing something. Trying to plan this trip and come up with estimated $$$, but having trouble finding where exactly the host hotel is. Star registration page lists Stratton Mountain Resort, but that is a conglomeration (?) of hotels in the Stratton Mountain area. STAR website gives a link to The Stratton Lodge, but what comes up is Stratton Lodge property for sale. I seem to think I saw somewhere in all this that the host hotel is the Black Bear Lodge? It matches the address on the Star registration page.There are 3 lodging options available: Black Bear Lodge(Host Lodge), Liftline Lodge, Long Trail Condos. Hope this helps
Someone set me straight please!
Dennis
Post by: STbob1300 on March 06, 2016, 09:52:46 AM
By the way, Ruth & I live in Simpsonville, SC, just a stones throw from you in Taylors (?). We should hook up some time since we have so few MSTA members here in the upstate. Otherwise, hope to see you at STAR.
Post by: ipnman on March 06, 2016, 10:39:52 AM
Yes let's make plans to meet for lunch or dinner
Dennis
Post by: STbob1300 on March 10, 2016, 04:21:09 PM
Bob
Post by: PYG RYDR on April 23, 2016, 11:14:00 AM
Post by: ipnman on April 24, 2016, 09:32:39 AM
Just wondering what the member registration for STAR 2016 number looks like?It looks like 219 are registered at this time
Dennis
Post by: JeffroNC on May 01, 2016, 09:55:48 PM
Post by: ipnman on May 02, 2016, 09:43:09 AM
Dennis
Post by: stk0308 on May 02, 2016, 01:20:33 PM
Post by: RIDEMYST on May 02, 2016, 01:31:40 PM
Post by: stk0308 on May 02, 2016, 03:24:12 PM
Post by: stevegrab on May 03, 2016, 11:27:11 AM
Having done some Googlesnooping, you'd better be throwing towards the Black Bear Lodge from the other sites. It's downhill. There's going to be a bit more walking at this STAR than any other STAR I've been too. Not complaining, just preparing.When I made a reservation I asked some questions and found the breakfast we get included with our rooms is in the Black Bear lodge, and I'm sure the bulk of any other organized activities including meetings, seminars, banquet would be there as well. So I booked a room there rather than the slightly cheaper option at the Lift Line, to try and minimize that walking (though I could use it and really don't mind, more about the time factor).
I'm really looking forward to riding some in NE, adding a few more states to the list I've ridden in and seeing many old friends.
Post by: TN2Wheeler on May 04, 2016, 10:51:33 AM
Post by: RichGrab on May 07, 2016, 07:34:40 PM
Post by: MotorcycleKat on May 30, 2016, 11:15:44 AM
Also went to Equinox Mountain. WOW!!!! is all I can say. Entrance fee but worth the view and the twisty roads....incredible!
Lunch route is great too!
Roads are good from winter which you never know for you people who don't know what winter is..LOL
Great time at lodge a well.
Look forward to seeing everyone there!
Kathleen
Post by: Brick on May 30, 2016, 01:45:28 PM
Just got back from Vermont to check out routes. Its so beautiful up there! IF you like history you must do the Fort Ticonderoga route. You can spend the day there looking at all the history there. Gardens, fort and museum. Worth the entrance fee.
Also went to Equinox Mountain. WOW!!!! is all I can say. Entrance fee but worth the view and the twisty roads....incredible!
Lunch route is great too!
Roads are good from winter which you never know for you people who don't know what winter is..LOL
Great time at lodge a well.
Look forward to seeing everyone there!
Kathleen
Great Kathleen. Thanks for the update. I'm looking forward to seeing it all.
Let's Ride!
Brick
Post by: RIDEMYST on May 30, 2016, 02:39:43 PM
Thanks for the update! -JEP-
Sent by using these little bitty keys on my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: HawkGTRider on May 30, 2016, 03:01:30 PM
Post by: Paulie on June 01, 2016, 05:19:37 PM
Post by: stevegrab on June 01, 2016, 05:34:18 PM
The COG Nat will be in Helen a few days befo Star, so I'm gonna hit both! 8) Will rack my WR250R behind the cage...cuz it's a long way from UK & I don't feel like lotsa hours of WFO straightsDon't you have to cross the pond to get to Vermont from the UK? Or is they UK someting else like Univ of Kansas?
Post by: Paulie on June 01, 2016, 06:58:35 PM
Post by: DrTizz on June 01, 2016, 11:51:28 PM
Post by: Brick on June 02, 2016, 06:11:36 AM
Going to be doing the grand tour from SoCal to VT...coming across the south, then up the coast going out, across the north and down the left coast coming back. More slab than is really desirable, but vacation time is a limited resource.
Cool sounds like you'll be putting on some miles.
which bike and which tires are you running?Let's Ride!
Brick
Post by: DrTizz on June 02, 2016, 09:06:52 AM
I'll be on the Trophy running PR4 GTs and, almost as importantly, my new Russell saddle!Going to be doing the grand tour from SoCal to VT...coming across the south, then up the coast going out, across the north and down the left coast coming back. More slab than is really desirable, but vacation time is a limited resource.
Cool sounds like you'll be putting on some miles.
Post by: stevegrab on June 07, 2016, 01:59:07 PM
that's Upper Kuba (Mijami) ::)
Ahh, I don't speak Floridian ;)
We're looking at US6 across Pennsylvania as one possible part of our route from Ohio.
Post by: wardie on June 07, 2016, 04:44:59 PM
Probably up through 6 through Allegheny etc. Not slabbing if I can help it. Coming in by 2pm on Sunday.
I'm a Bridgestone guy running BT 023's.
Post by: aaronengle on June 07, 2016, 08:15:34 PM
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 13, 2016, 01:29:32 PM
Leaving June 9 with Laura in the sidecar. Slabing until Quebec City. Quebec 138,389 and then the TLH. Short ferry to Newfoundland and then longer ferry to Cape Breton. Plan on arriving at STAR on Sat. The stories we'll have to tell. Aaron
I'm jealous of you getting to do the TLH. I'd planned on going up the James Bay Road, to the end of the Trans-Taiga Road, and then across the TLH to Goose Bay. From there I planned to head south and wander through the maritime provinces. Alas, life changes and I need to be home a lot sooner than I'd originally thought. It looks like I'll make it to Maine, but probably not into Canada at all. But it's all good. I've got a leg up on planning for the next time I go in the New England direction.
The forum has been really quiet the last few days. I guess everyone's been prepping for the trip northward. I was going to ride a Suzuki DR650S to STAR and then into Canada, but once that got kaboshed, I decided to ride a BMW F650GS. But then I changed tires last week and found an ugly amount of play in the swingarm of the BMW (it has earned it by having ~97,000 miles on it). Now I'm back to the DR650S. And that's good too.
I'm still planning on riding up Jim Randall's and Rick Giddish's (and anyone else who had input into the route) Maine Adventure Trail as far as Vermont. Hopefully I can get there in an appropriate amount of time. After STAR I may go back over to the 'trail' and continue northward into Maine. If I hadn't planned on going to the wilds of Quebec, this would seem like a FABULOUS ride. Now it seems slightly like I'm settling for something, but in truth, it WILL be a terrific trip.
Post by: aaronengle on June 13, 2016, 06:53:38 PM
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 13, 2016, 07:38:46 PM
The James Bay Road from Matagami up to Radisson is paved as I understand. However, the Trans-Taiga road is 400 miles of gravel. It may not make sense to everyone, but I was looking forward to that.
I'm glad to hear Quebec 389 is still interesting.
All of the above would be different in a hack. Good for you!
Post by: bcd on June 15, 2016, 08:49:10 PM
Post by: aaronengle on June 15, 2016, 09:07:45 PM
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 16, 2016, 12:13:16 AM
Thinking back a couple of years when I went to Alaska in June-July, I pretty much wore my long johns and used my heated grips starting in Wyoming, to Alaska, and then back down to around Montana when I headed for the house. Crossing Montana in late July it finally got hot enough to shed the extra layers.
Post by: Patmo on June 16, 2016, 08:10:44 AM
Post by: HawkGTRider on June 16, 2016, 08:45:19 AM
Geoffrey......we are used to the mid-south climate where temps are moderate in the winters and just plain hot and humid in the summers. I remember that when my parents would come north from Florida, even in the summers, they found the evenings up here cooler than they liked and would always bring sweaters. I've got cousins that live in Montana, Oregon, and southern Alaska respectfully, and they are all comfortable in colder temps than I like. It's all what you are used to, I guess.I'm looking forward to the cooler temperatures predicted for Vermont vs what will be happening in Tennessee. Highs here are predicted to be in the low to mid 90s. In Vermont the Weather Channel is predicting highs around 80, and I expect to enjoy those temps.
Post by: stevegrab on June 16, 2016, 01:16:21 PM
Geoffrey......we are used to the mid-south climate where temps are moderate in the winters and just plain hot and humid in the summers. I remember that when my parents would come north from Florida, even in the summers, they found the evenings up here cooler than they liked and would always bring sweaters. I've got cousins that live in Montana, Oregon, and southern Alaska respectfully, and they are all comfortable in colder temps than I like. It's all what you are used to, I guess.It also depends on your physical condition, and um your uh how do I say shape, be it long & thin vs. short and stout ;) I can generally handle it being a bit more chilly than my skinny friends, but on the flip side the higher heat/humidity leave me really uncomfortable. Just got back from a couple days in New Orleans for work and didn't spend a lot of time outside but it was very hot and humid. Far worse than Ohio in the middle of summer.
I still haven't looked much at temps in the area for STAR but suspected they might be cooler. Need to decide if I grab my mesh jacket in addition to my regular vented textile like I did for STAR in KY.
See you guys in 10 days
Post by: DrTizz on June 16, 2016, 07:52:36 PM
Post by: Brick on June 16, 2016, 10:54:37 PM
Looks like I'll be leaving a day early to avoid the high temps coming...even if you are used to the higher temperatures, 110 is just a bit more than I care for! On a slightly different note, does anyone else use Spotwalla for tracking?
I use Spotwalla on all my trips. I'll be setting my Spotwalla trip before I leave for Vermont.
Let's Ride!
Brick
Post by: RichGrab on June 17, 2016, 11:46:18 AM
Looks like I'll be leaving a day early to avoid the high temps coming...even if you are used to the higher temperatures, 110 is just a bit more than I care for! On a slightly different note, does anyone else use Spotwalla for tracking?
Some do like Brick. Also, Nicky Zarras had another thread on the Forum where he is looking for input to do a review in the magazine. Might want to look for that one here http://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/general-discussion/spot-product-test/
(http://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/general-discussion/spot-product-test/)
Post by: DrTizz on June 18, 2016, 10:16:31 AM
Post by: Brick on June 18, 2016, 10:52:30 PM
Sigh...so the morning of departure and the Triumph decides to assert its "British-ness" and start leaking oil...
Just marking its spot!
Let's Ride!
Brick
Post by: stevegrab on June 21, 2016, 03:49:19 PM
Sigh...so the morning of departure and the Triumph decides to assert its "British-ness" and start leaking oil...My 99 Sprint ST has done that a couple times. First the fuel line couplers wore out with gas leaking all over days before a trip. Then last year the throttle cable broke, in both cases I wasn't leaving for the trip but taking the bike out to scrub in new tires.
Now I got it back from the shop after a check engine light issue was resolved, and then I had some trouble starting it after a ride on Sunday. Keeping my fingers crossed it doesn't act up during the trip. I spent a combined 3+ weeks on it riding out west for 2 STARs and it was fine. Maybe she's just getting old (43K miles).
Post by: qman8 on June 22, 2016, 07:57:54 AM
Looks like I'll be leaving a day early to avoid the high temps coming...even if you are used to the higher temperatures, 110 is just a bit more than I care for! On a slightly different note, does anyone else use Spotwalla for tracking?I have used spotwalla on my last 2 big trips, with Bubbler app on the phone...(no SPOT-type sattelite device) ...Just gotta remember to turn on the Bubbler app every day, or nothing gets recorded! Works good. There is some tracking software on my new BMW Navigator V that I need to figure out that apparently does the same sort of thing.