FJOwners West Coast Rally 2016
Okay everyone. We have the 2015 West Coast Rally (WCR) successfully behind us. We have some lessons learned and ideas moving forward. I volunteered to honcho the effort to more fully plan the 2016 WCR, so here we go.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) We get together to ride, hang out, and have fun. We can do this better this year.
We will have a location finalized by 31 July 2015.
Here is the timeline to make this happen.
Now - 15 July: Submissions for locations will be PM'd to Pat for posting in the 2016 WCR discussion page.
These submissions should build a case for why the WCR should be held there.
Ideally, but not required, including information regarding riding routes, lodging, amenities
(Grocery stores, gas, restaurants, etc.), and insight into what makes it a good place for the rally.
16 July - 22 July: 1st round of voting. Every forum member will have three votes.
The three locations with the greatest number of votes will be identified and moved to the next round.
23 July to 27 July: Top three locations will be expanded upon.
This is where the discussion of the locations merits can be hashed out.
There should be some vigorous and exciting commentary on this.
Route options if not already defined should definitely be included here.
28-31 July: Final voting on WCR location.
Once the location is set the coordination and organization begins.
This year we need to identify earlier who will be attending. It is
expected that there will be some thrash and things that come up.
2015 showed an attendance list of 19 and we had about 30 people there.
(Not a bad thing, but it'd be good to know who's going)
Things that would be good to have once the location is picked out:
Group leaders
Sign in and out sheet at camp.
Everyone has a paper map (Or route plugged into their GPS)
Ideas for 2016:
Have a leap frog going for the routes. If desired, the last rider may work his way to the front. (No passing on the right)
At every stop establish the next route guidance (Where is the next turn?)
Plan stops and have them annotated on the map (Ideally allowing different groups to meet for lunch)
Keep better track of riders. (Roll call before rolling out)
Identify who may be bringing stoves and plan grilling/cooking for the group.
Pick a place that will allow traditions like Thermite and Spud Guns to continue.
Have T-shirts with names?
WCR Facebook page? Have media and information posted there before, during, and after the rally?
Bike checklist. All the common "gotya's" from past experience. Things to check before you're kickstand up miles from home?
Questions:
If you didn't go, why? Was it the expense? Location? Routes?
If you did go;
What are things that you saw that you think could be improved on?
What was your favorite part of the 2015 WCR?
What was your least favorite part of the 2015 WCR?
Favorite ride moment?
Best meal?
Best stop?
This is an open forum so let's hear what you think.
I think if you want to call it the West Coast Rally, it should be on the coast. Don't get me wrong, there are phenomenal roads all over this state, but California is all about the beach. I say anywhere on the coast is fine with me, from Crescent City to San Diego.
Bravo for the effort Mike! I'd submit the Hayfork location again, if we could pick up the facilities and move to a better location. For those that don't know, the facilities that year were exceptional... but the weather was terrible and the location pretty remote. Here's what we had:
The whole group stayed in Bar 717 Camp (http://www.bar717.com (http://www.bar717.com)),
Rooms were a variety of shared spaces in various cabins,
Food was cooked by camp staff with breakfast, pack-it-yourself lunch, and dinner each day,
Common area big enough for entire group to get together, under cover which was great in the rain, and hang out after dinner,
BIG outdoor fireplace in same common area to keep us warm.
Access to hwy36 and beyond... we didn't take advantage of the riding much due to the heavy rains, but the roads there were promising.
We even had space to park bikes out of the rain for the most part...
I'm looking for similar accommodations in other locations. Randy showed us one near Pinecrest Lake while riding this year's WCR. There's another similar camp in Santa Cruz area that I'll dig up info on.
Again - Thanks Mike for getting this going.
Frank
Check out Jalama Beach State Park (http://cosb.countyofsb.org/parks/parks06.aspx?id=9186) down by Mission Hills, just south of Vandenberg AFB. They have some interesting roads in the hills, and the accommodations look similar to Meadowcliff.
Mike,
Thank you for doing this and I hope there are people who are looking into venues for 2016 and can present the group with a places to go, so we as a group can decide.
I see the questions below and this is where we need the forum members, who might be in the area of any rally, not just the WCR, to tell us why they do not or have not attended a rally. It would be good to know if there is something that can be done to make the rallies more available to others who for one reason or another have not attended.
So, maybe a new general rally topic needs to be made and the questions below can be answered for specific rallies.
I have attended rallies now for several years and on two different continents and I have learned something new from each of them. Things that are done differently and can be easily implemented into other rallies to make the more enjoyable, more organized, more group orientated.
Randy - RPM
Quote from: skymasteres on June 03, 2015, 07:47:50 PM
Questions:
If you didn't go, why? Was it the expense? Location? Routes?
This is an open forum so let's hear what you think.
Another thing, I am trying to make a complete head count of who attended the WCR this year, but I am sure I am leaving someone off.
I think I counted twenty seven. So, I guess we need to plan on 25-40 people because that really matters when trying to determine the location.
1 Mark - FJmonkey
2 Steve - Moparman
3 Pat Conlon
4 Jason Lawson
5 Paul Lawson
6 CapnRon
7 Mike Ramos
8 Kurt - Yamaha FJ rider
9 Kai - chainus
10 Dan - Giantkiller and his friend
11 Dave (Harley Vrod rider)(Dan's friend)
12 Mark Olson
13 Craig zari
14 Mike - skymasteres
15 Mike's friend (sorry dont know the name)
16 & 17 San Dimas Mike (AKA Sherpa) and Tina
18 & 19 Simi Ed (& Sue too)
20 LAMike (with Hats and Shirts)
21 Rick - ZOA NOM
22 Henning (Canada)
23 Drew (Canada)
24 & 25 Frank & Diane
26 & 27 Randy & Chandra
I know it is a long way off, but if you can add or remove your name if you have an plan on attending or not. We would love to have some more central and east coast guys join us.
Andy French & maybe his better half
Derek & Donna
Keary & Pam(Winddancer)
twangin4u
Garth
Robert & Jamie
Craig's better half
Kurt's better half
George
Alan
Please add your name if you have a notion you might attend and hopefully we will see next year.
Are we still shooting for the weekend after Memorial day, which will be June 1-5?
Or is there a better weekend that suits more people in the early summer months before it gets too hot?
Randy - RPM
We have found that the weekend after Memorial Day has worked well
1) the kids are still in school, mostly.
2) the RV's are not out in full force like they are later in summer
3) LEO presence is lower on the weekend following a 3 day holiday
Quote from: racerrad8 on June 24, 2015, 11:22:56 PM
Another thing, I am trying to make a complete head count of who attended the WCR this year, but I am sure I am leaving someone off.
I think I counted twenty seven. So, I guess we need to plan on 25-40 people because that really matters when trying to determine the location.
1 Mark - FJmonkey
2 Steve - Moparman
3 Pat Conlon
4 Jason Lawson
5 Paul Lawson
6 CapnRon
7 Mike Ramos
8 Kurt - Yamaha FJ rider
9 Kai - chainus
10 Dan - Giantkiller and his friend
11 Dave (Harley Vrod rider)(Dan's friend)
12 Mark Olson
13 Craig zari
14 Mike - skymasteres
15 Mike's friend (sorry dont know the name)
16 & 17 San Dimas Mike (AKA Sherpa) and Tina
18 & 19 Simi Ed (& Sue too)
20 LAMike (with Hats and Shirts)
21 Rick - ZOA NOM
22 Henning (Canada)
23 Drew (Canada)
24 & 25 Frank & Diane
26 & 27 Randy & Chandra
I know it is a long way off, but if you can add or remove your name if you have an plan on attending or not. We would love to have some more central and east coast guys join us.
Andy French & maybe his better half
Derek & Donna
Keary & Pam(Winddancer)
twangin4u
Garth
Robert & Jamie
Craig's better half
Kurt's better half
George
Alan
Please add your name if you have a notion you might attend and hopefully we will see next year.
Are we still shooting for the weekend after Memorial day, which will be June 1-5?
Or is there a better weekend that suits more people in the early summer months before it gets too hot?
Randy - RPM
Add me and my daughter to the list for the 2016 attendees.
Fred
Quote from: Pat Conlon on June 24, 2015, 11:39:51 PM
We have found that the weekend after Memorial Day has worked well
1) the kids are still in school, mostly.
2) the RV's are not out in full force like they are later in summer
3) LEO presence is lower on the weekend following a 3 day holiday
Agreed on all those points! Another thing I'll add is that it's a DATE...and it's established. This alone makes planning far in advance for some much easier. I've found over the 14 years of planning rock crawling get togethers in Moab, when the date shifts around to try to accommodate everyone, the attendance goes way down.
In absence of a location candidate, Willits or Petaluma are our fallbacks.
No one has PM'ed me yet as to their recommendations.
tick tick tick...
Okay, so the date for the 2016 WCR is June 1-5, 2016.
Randy - RPM
Quote from: racerrad8 on June 24, 2015, 11:22:56 PM
Another thing, I am trying to make a complete head count of who attended the WCR this year, but I am sure I am leaving someone off.
I think I counted twenty seven. So, I guess we need to plan on 25-40 people because that really matters when trying to determine the location.
1 Mark - FJmonkey
2 Steve - Moparman
3 Pat Conlon
4 Jason Lawson
5 Paul Lawson
6 CapnRon
7 Mike Ramos
8 Kurt - Yamaha FJ rider
9 Kai - chainus
10 Dan - Giantkiller and his friend
11 Dave (Harley Vrod rider)(Dan's friend)
12 Mark Olson
13 Craig zari
14 Mike - skymasteres
15 Mike's friend (sorry dont know the name)
16 & 17 San Dimas Mike (AKA Sherpa) and Tina
18 & 19 Simi Ed (& Sue too)
20 LAMike (with Hats and Shirts)
21 Rick - ZOA NOM
22 Henning (Canada)
23 Drew (Canada)
24 & 25 Frank & Diane
26 & 27 Randy & Chandra
I know it is a long way off, but if you can add or remove your name if you have an plan on attending or not. We would love to have some more central and east coast guys join us.
Andy French & maybe his better half
Derek & Donna
Keary & Pam(Winddancer)
twangin4u
Garth
Robert & Jamie
Craig's better half
Kurt's better half
George
Alan
Please add your name if you have a notion you might attend and hopefully we will see next year.
Randy - RPM
I think figuring out *who* will attend this far in advance is tough...figuring out *how many* for planning purposes should be easy to ball park.
Taking a look at your list, I counted those who are *highly* likely to attend based on: previous attendance, proximity or their ability to attend more than one rally. I came up with 22. All the others on the list have made at least one WCR in the last three I've attended and the numbers as I recall for those years were ~25 (Petaluma), ~31 (Willits) and ~27 for Coleville.
There are some that aren't on that list...Marsh, Klavdy, Jeff and so on...and a bunch of new folks that I've seen joining the forum lately that are close enough to be likely to attend.
With the ebb and flow of people's schedules, kids graduations, time off work, etc. . .we're looking at 25 minimum for sure. I think a well-attended rally would hit 35...40+ would be awesome!
While Hayfork was a nice location, it had it's shortcomings.
A few that come to mind:
Way out in the sticks, no cell coverage (at all) and the local fuel station only had regular (no premium).
Good company and food. Honestly, I didn't mind the lack of cell coverage. Quite refreshing.. Being out in the sticks has its advantages and disadvantages.
For me to attend it all depends on what is going on at work. Having to travel can pop up at any moment.
WCR this year was great as far roads. The KOA was good also. Rooms were nice and reasonably priced. The fire ring was small and too centrally located. Things that could be better. My number one complaint was Coleville it's self. They close everything by 8 pm and I mean everything, no gas, food, nothing. The saving grace was the casino ten miles up the road. It is open 24 hours. Better services would be nice. AT&T no service. Thank you Craig for the use of your Verizon phone. I am not trying to stir thing up. I would go back there in a second. Thank you everyone who planed and helped put on this years rally. A little bigger town to support the rally would be nice. Just my thoughts to help in future planning.
Kurt
I agree 100% with you Kurt :good:
I totally whiffed fire ring set up when checking out the Meadow Cliff facilities. My bad. :flag_of_truce:
Yea, Coleville was a one horse town for sure. No markets for BBQ supplies.
At least the weather gods smiled on us....it could have been much worse. The week prior I was freaking out.
We will do better next year!
Pat you did great. Rally was awesome. Thank you! Garden City 30 miles up the road had everything you could ask for and more. Just a little to far away. If we could find a location like Meadow Cliff Lodge about 15 miles closer that would be great. Hotel rooms were super. Not having to take beading and my own bathroom gets my vote. I know my wive and having bathroom is a huge deal to her. Going back to the Wilits KOA. I will bring my travel trailer if she comes with. Problem solved.
Kurt
Quote from: aviationfred on June 25, 2015, 01:02:22 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on June 24, 2015, 11:22:56 PM
Another thing, I am trying to make a complete head count of who attended the WCR this year, but I am sure I am leaving someone off.
I think I counted twenty seven. So, I guess we need to plan on 25-40 people because that really matters when trying to determine the location.
1 Mark - FJmonkey
2 Steve - Moparman
3 Pat Conlon
4 Jason Lawson
5 Paul Lawson
6 CapnRon
7 Mike Ramos
8 Kurt - Yamaha FJ rider
9 Kai - chainus
10 Dan - Giantkiller and his friend
11 Dave (Harley Vrod rider)(Dan's friend)
12 Mark Olson
13 Craig zari
14 Mike - skymasteres
15 Mike's friend (sorry dont know the name)
16 & 17 San Dimas Mike (AKA Sherpa) and Tina
18 & 19 Simi Ed (& Sue too)
20 LAMike (with Hats and Shirts)
21 Rick - ZOA NOM
22 Henning (Canada)
23 Drew (Canada)
24 & 25 Frank & Diane
26 & 27 Randy & Chandra
I know it is a long way off, but if you can add or remove your name if you have an plan on attending or not. We would love to have some more central and east coast guys join us.
Andy French & maybe his better half
Derek & Donna
Keary & Pam(Winddancer)
twangin4u
Garth
Robert & Jamie
Craig's better half
Kurt's better half
George
Alan
Please add your name if you have a notion you might attend and hopefully we will see next year.
Are we still shooting for the weekend afte r Memorial day, which will be June 1-5?
Or is there a better weekend that suits more people in the early summer months before it gets too hot?
Randy - RPM
Add me and my daughter to the list for the 2016 attendees.
Fred
Fred has already started announcing the 2016 stops for his traveling FJ swap meet. We see that his daughter has joined the family business. Congrats Fred. Randy better keep on eye on you. :lol:
Kurt
I didn't bring the FJ swap meet to the Central Rally...... That is reserved for the West Coast Rally only. :rofl:
My daughter still has 2 years before she can get her license. She has found a bike that fits her.
Quote from: aviationfred on July 05, 2015, 08:30:52 PM
I didn't bring the FJ swap meet to the Central Rally...... That is reserved for the West Coast Rally only. :rofl:
Fred didn't I see some clear clutch covers and what about the front fender that came from you. Maybe it was not the full swap meet but it was there. I am calling BULL SHIT!!!
Kurt
Quote from: Flynt on June 04, 2015, 09:13:44 AM
Randy showed us one near Pinecrest Lake while riding this year's WCR.
I'm out, I got up to Pinecrest today to look at the facility. It has pluses and minuses, but I think it would be a good place to give a shot if the opportunity presents itself. It would offer a more communal rally where the group would not be so fragmented.
They are already booked for 2016 for the WCR weekend. I asked to be penciled in for 2017 but the renter of the weekend at the time of check out has the option of reserving for the next year, so it might be futile wither way.
The other thing that I am hearing, especially as of recently, is 2017 is shaping up to be an El Nino year and above average rain & snow fall is being predicted. If it is in fact a heavy snowfall winter then the Sierra rides are compromised due to closed roads.
I am good with Petaluma for 2016
Randy - RPM
Well it's two days before the decision time and I don't know that Pat has gotten any submissions.
I Pm'd Pat my input.
Fred
I got Fred's recommendation which was Willits.
I saw Randy's post where he said that he would be fine with Petaluma.
That's it....
Mike, do you have a recommendation? Frank?
I have not been to these places, with the exception Willits. Both West Coast Rallies, I have attended were great. I am sure an excellent location will be selected. I will be happy with wherever, we end up going. Didn't vote, don't complain.
Kurt
I posted one on page 1. I'll attend wherever it is.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on July 13, 2015, 08:29:47 PM
Mike, do you have a recommendation? Frank?
I have two and they'll come in PM. They are both camps like what Randy found up by Pinecrest Lake. One just south of me in Morgan Hill. The other is east of Sacramento. I have not checked availability, but will.
Another possibility, although weather could be an issue if it as a wet year, would be Graegle Lodge. They have enough cabins and the location is fantastic, but I think the cost would maybe be too much depending on sharing arrangements. Here's a link, so check it out and weigh in.
http://www.grayeaglelodge.com/cabins/ (http://www.grayeaglelodge.com/cabins/)
I'm also OK with the KOA routine and Willits or Petaluma would be OK for me. We could also consider the Santa Cruz KOA (https://koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz/site-type/cabin-accommodations/ (https://koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz/site-type/cabin-accommodations/)).
Frank
Pat, Basically all of my ideas revolve around SoCal. The problem is, where to stay...
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/California_80.html (http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Routes/California_80.html)
(http://[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/skymasteres/media/Motorcycles/Rides/2016%20FJ%20Rally/Santa-Monica-Mountains-Map_zpsfsbqewud.jpg.html%5D%5BIMG%5Dhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/skymasteres/Motorcycles/Rides/2016%20FJ%20Rally/Santa-Monica-Mountains-Map_zpsfsbqewud.jpg)[/URL][/img]
The riding is better up around Willits than Petaluma.
The Willits KOA is a bit more county than Petalumas too.
Good meal & service options in Willits, nice and handy to the camp ground.
They are both pretty close to Skaggs Springs road.
HWY 20 and that section of the 1 between Leggett & Fort Bragg are must do rides.
Quote from: Klavdy on July 14, 2015, 10:07:54 PM
The riding is better up around Willits than Petaluma.
The Willits KOA is a bit more county than Petalumas too.
Good meal & service options in Willits, nice and handy to the camp ground.
They are both pretty close to Skaggs Springs road.
HWY 20 and that section of the 1 between Leggett & Fort Bragg are must do rides.
+1. KOA at Petaluma is a bit spendy IMO and the check was a PIA. Took me 30 days to get there simple shit untangled.
George
I agree, Pet-the-Tuna is awfully expensive for a KOA.
Quote from: Klavdy on July 14, 2015, 10:07:54 PM
They are both pretty close to Skaggs Springs road.
We were told that Skaggs has been resealed after repairs with a gravel slurry and the road is now pretty bad.
Maybe when Andy gets back from his epic journey he can check it out and let us know.
Randy - RPM
The Crest was Chip-Sealed last year and was crappy for about 3 months. When was Skaggs resealed?
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 15, 2015, 11:55:03 AM
When was Skaggs resealed?
I don't know, that was a conversation at the WCR...we'll have to wait for Andy to advise.
Randy - RPM
Willits KOA is my favorite WCR location so far.
Derek
Quote from: racerrad8 on July 15, 2015, 12:12:37 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 15, 2015, 11:55:03 AM
When was Skaggs resealed?
I don't know, that was a conversation at the WCR...we'll have to wait for Andy to advise.
Randy - RPM
By the time the wcr is there it will be 18 months since sealed.
Well it looks to me that Willits it is. Any discussion as to a possible contender?
Some things were suggested, but it sounds like Willits is the winner... now onto who's going and getting it organized with ride leaders, sweeps, etc (the great stuff discussed in Coleville). And we need to reserve rooms of course.
Frank
Is it too late ? I'm feeling pretty confident about my FJ being able to make the ride as I've been putting some miles on it . Even though some systems are absent,they're just for monitoring not operational functions. Can I still attend? Please. I'll be good and respectful ask Mark for a referance.
Cash
PS when is it ? How much for accommodations ? Did I miss all that in the tread? Am I a goon ball ?
Quote from: Cash Dereszynski on April 15, 2016, 09:59:18 PM
Is it too late ? I'm feeling pretty confident about my FJ being able to make the ride as I've been putting some miles on it . Even though some systems are absent,they're just for monitoring not operational functions. Can I still attend? Please. I'll be good and respectful ask Mark for a referance.
Cash
PS when is it ? How much for accommodations ? Did I miss all that in the tread? Am I a goon ball ?
It is never too late, we find ways to make room and make sure all can attend. Cash is a good guy and I think am the "Mark" he references (many Marks here).
Knowing that, are you riding up? When? Maybe you can convoy with Steve and I.
Well with the location set, perhaps it's time to start considering the routes for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday rides.
Are there any roads that are of particular interest to the riders that have been to Willits before?