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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Alte Fahrt on April 18, 2016, 02:30:19 AM

Title: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alte Fahrt on April 18, 2016, 02:30:19 AM
Sad to see there is no rally for Europe. It is understandable when you look at the map. Just not enough of us to justify one. As a consolidation Yamaha is holding a track day this summer at the Hockenheim ring (about an hour away) for the R6 guys. I wonder what they would if I showed up on the old beast. :biggrin:
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: The General on April 18, 2016, 05:39:31 AM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 18, 2016, 02:30:19 AM
Sad to see there is no rally for Europe. It is understandable when you look at the map. Just not enough of us to justify one. As a consolidation Yamaha is holding a track day this summer at the Hockenheim ring (about an hour away) for the R6 guys. I wonder what they would if I showed up on the old beast. :biggrin:
What about an FJ rally on the Isle of Mann?....just dream`n out loud!;....maybe 2018?
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Steve_in_Florida on April 18, 2016, 08:03:42 AM
Alte,
It sounds to me like you've just appointed yourself the European Rally Co-Ordinator, Deutschland.

Run with it.

Set something up. Someone will show up.

We didn't USED to have a North American Central Rally until our own AviationFred took the bull by the horns.

What's the criteria? Three or more FJ's (and their owners) at any given time/place constitute a rally?

BTW, I was stationed at Ramstein Air Base when I purchased my first FJ. Many fond memories of European riding. Love to go back!

Steve

Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: aviationfred on April 18, 2016, 08:24:07 AM
I know that there are FJ rallys in Europe. A fellow member Alf has attended a rally in Spain. I have seen photos of a large FJ rally in either Germany or Denmark. I also know that there is a fair number of FJ's in the Netherlands.

Contact member Fred R to see if there are any FJ rallys planned this year.


Fred
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: balky1 on April 18, 2016, 12:14:58 PM
Well, if you organise something, give me a notice.  :good2:
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: the fan on April 18, 2016, 02:09:33 PM
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on April 18, 2016, 08:03:42 AM
Alte,
It sounds to me like you've just appointed yourself the European Rally Co-Ordinator, Deutschland.

Run with it.

Set something up. Someone will show up.

We didn't USED to have a North American Central Rally until our own AviationFred took the bull by the horns.

What's the criteria? Three or more FJ's (and their owners) at any given time/place constitute a rally?

BTW, I was stationed at Ramstein Air Base when I purchased my first FJ. Many fond memories of European riding. Love to go back!

Steve



Scott,

I am not sure about the rest of the world, but the east coast criteria is that Dean Narramore is in attendance....This has been discussed many times, although many (Carey, Henry, Frank...) may disagree.
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: rktmanfj on April 18, 2016, 02:32:14 PM
Quote from: the fan on April 18, 2016, 02:09:33 PM
I am not sure about the rest of the world, but the east coast criteria is that Dean Narramore is in attendance....This has been discussed many times, although many (Carey, Henry, Frank...) may disagree.

     (popcorn)


Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: PaulG on April 18, 2016, 07:48:21 PM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 18, 2016, 02:30:19 AM
..... As a consolidation Yamaha is holding a track day this summer at the Hockenheim ring (about an hour away) for the R6 guys. I wonder what they would if I showed up on the old beast. :biggrin:

Since you have twice the bike they should let you in for 1/2 the price.  I wonder if they would open up the "old" straightaways through the forest or did they bulldoze that under?

You could always suprise them like Schwantz did to Rainey....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHtdy43O0Xg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHtdy43O0Xg)   :gamer:
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alte Fahrt on April 19, 2016, 01:52:57 AM
Ok I'll see what I can do. No promises though.

Who is interested?
Where are you coming from?
What would you like to do?
What kind of accommodations would you like?
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alte Fahrt on April 19, 2016, 01:57:22 AM
Quote from: PaulG on April 18, 2016, 07:48:21 PM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 18, 2016, 02:30:19 AM
..... As a consolidation Yamaha is holding a track day this summer at the Hockenheim ring (about an hour away) for the R6 guys. I wonder what they would if I showed up on the old beast. :biggrin:

Since you have twice the bike they should let you in for 1/2 the price.  I wonder if they would open up the "old" straightaways through the forest or did they bulldoze that under?

You could always suprise them like Schwantz did to Rainey....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHtdy43O0Xg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHtdy43O0Xg)   :gamer:

I think you have your rings mixed up. I believe you are thinking of this one. http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html (http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html) And yes the track through the woods is still there. :bye2:
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: PaulG on April 19, 2016, 09:28:04 AM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 19, 2016, 01:57:22 AM
I think you have your rings mixed up. I believe you are thinking of this one. http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html (http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html) And yes the track through the woods is still there. :bye2:

Actually I was referring to Hockenheim and the back two straights which went out then came back to the stadium section.  They blocked most of this off shortly after that Scwantz-Rainey video, allegedly to conform to FIA specs for length of tracks and safety blah-blah-blah.  The bikes and cars barely get up to speed before they have to turn around and come back.

They keep telling us excercise is good yet won't allow us to stretch our legs anymore   :cray:

On an aside, I have always been envious of the fact since I was a kid that the majority of the world class racing goes on in Europe.  All those tracks within arms reach.  The nearest MotoGP is 3,000 km away in Texas, the nearest WSBK is in California 4,000 km away.  I did the trip to Texas in '13 on the FJ.  Next is Laguna Seca in California.... sometime....  dagnabbit' life ain't fair!  :shout:  I have the trip already planned, just need to find 3-4 weeks to do it.   (popcorn)
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alte Fahrt on April 20, 2016, 04:10:53 AM
Quote from: PaulG on April 19, 2016, 09:28:04 AM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 19, 2016, 01:57:22 AM
I think you have your rings mixed up. I believe you are thinking of this one. http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html (http://www.nuerburgring.de/en.html) And yes the track through the woods is still there. :bye2:

Actually I was referring to Hockenheim and the back two straights which went out then came back to the stadium section.  They blocked most of this off shortly after that Scwantz-Rainey video, allegedly to conform to FIA specs for length of tracks and safety blah-blah-blah.  The bikes and cars barely get up to speed before they have to turn around and come back.

They keep telling us excercise is good yet won't allow us to stretch our legs anymore   :cray:

On an aside, I have always been envious of the fact since I was a kid that the majority of the world class racing goes on in Europe.  All those tracks within arms reach.  The nearest MotoGP is 3,000 km away in Texas, the nearest WSBK is in California 4,000 km away.  I did the trip to Texas in '13 on the FJ.  Next is Laguna Seca in California.... sometime....  dagnabbit' life ain't fair!  :shout:  I have the trip already planned, just need to find 3-4 weeks to do it.   (popcorn)


The track that had the ultimate straightway was Le Mans but alas they put a couple blips in it to slow things down.

I took my sons to a Moto GP last year while still working on the FJ. If anyone has the chance to go to one of these, do it. It is amazing to watch what these "lunatics" and I use that term loosely, can make these bikes do. Even when I was young and dumb and raced drag bikes, I would never have tried this.

For anyone looking for a good Moto GP fix, this is a good source for info and short videos. http://www.eurosport.com/moto/ (http://www.eurosport.com/moto/)
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Troyskie on April 20, 2016, 05:07:10 AM
Righto Alt, I'm in the Ruhr in July. I'm no go for a rally, probably won't have time or bike, but I love German beer & would enjoy sharing one with you. I'll be near your place next March (Frankfurt) for work, so likely more chance for beers then mate.

There are some other members in Holland. I can't remember their names. One of them, (from memory) also has heaps of parts. Given the autobahn, and how close everything is you way I reckon you should get a reasonable turnout.

From memory, not far from you (100k's?) down Manheim or Karlsruhe way there are some hills and decent twisties that has really pretty scenery (out of the towns).

Another option is the holiday area of Sauerland. Great roads, and plenty of places to stay with all the different accommodation options, plus not so far for the Dutch, Poles, French, Danes, or Brits who might make the trip.

Either way mate, why not start a small one? Must be plenty of lurkers your way.

Troyskie
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: fj johnnie on April 20, 2016, 06:00:26 AM
 Agreed on the MOTOGP. Went to Assen a few years ago and also the first ever night race in Doha, Qatar. It truly is ridiculous to watch them race.
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alte Fahrt on April 21, 2016, 01:59:23 AM
Quote from: Troyskie on April 20, 2016, 05:07:10 AM
Righto Alt, I'm in the Ruhr in July. I'm no go for a rally, probably won't have time or bike, but I love German beer & would enjoy sharing one with you. I'll be near your place next March (Frankfurt) for work, so likely more chance for beers then mate.

There are some other members in Holland. I can't remember their names. One of them, (from memory) also has heaps of parts. Given the autobahn, and how close everything is you way I reckon you should get a reasonable turnout.

From memory, not far from you (100k's?) down Manheim or Karlsruhe way there are some hills and decent twisties that has really pretty scenery (out of the towns).

Another option is the holiday area of Sauerland. Great roads, and plenty of places to stay with all the different accommodation options, plus not so far for the Dutch, Poles, French, Danes, or Brits who might make the trip.

Either way mate, why not start a small one? Must be plenty of lurkers your way.

Troyskie

Beer we can do. :drinks: And a schnitzel or two. :good2:Just let me know when and where. Since I'm mostly retired my time is very flexible.

From here there is good riding in just about every direction. The Taunus mountains are just out my back door. Spessart and others are close by as well as the Lahn and Rhein rivers. My favorite short run takes me down the B42 along the Rhein. I then take a right in the direction of Bad Schwalbach. About half way there I take a left down the Wispertal. This a road that is about 30km long, running down the side of a mountain. It has enough twisties to suite anybody. About half way down are places to stop and take a break. This is a road to avoid on the weekends. It brings out all the Idoits. They pass on the curves and a lot of bikers die here. Most ride up the hill which is why I ride down. At the bottom you come out in the town of Lorch. Going back up the Rhein you can always stop in Rudesheim (serious tourist trap). They even have a parking lot just for bikes. If I can get one of those strap on video cameras I'll try to make a video of it.

As for the rally I have some ideas but will have to wait and see.
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: balky1 on April 21, 2016, 02:14:23 AM
From May 12 one of the greatest rallys in Croatia is scheduled in Umag, Istria. Free camping, discounted rooms for those that don't like nature :greeting:

Always couple of thousands bikes and people from thee whole Europe.

If you are coming, let me know.

Ivan
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alf on April 21, 2016, 02:15:44 AM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 18, 2016, 02:30:19 AM
Sad to see there is no rally for Europe. It is understandable when you look at the map. Just not enough of us to justify one. As a consolidation Yamaha is holding a track day this summer at the Hockenheim ring (about an hour away) for the R6 guys. I wonder what they would if I showed up on the old beast. :biggrin:

Yes, there is rally for Europe. In Madrid, for the 30Th Anniversary, and after transformed in an annual meeting, last year in Cervera de Pisuerga. There was a German FJ owner too ;)

(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/fj1200alf/IMG-20140630-WA0019_zpsqghq6ptu.jpg) (http://s1133.photobucket.com/user/fj1200alf/media/IMG-20140630-WA0019_zpsqghq6ptu.jpg.html)
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alf on April 21, 2016, 02:23:02 AM
(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/fj1200alf/Kdada50_zps7a8b31c8.jpg) (http://s1133.photobucket.com/user/fj1200alf/media/Kdada50_zps7a8b31c8.jpg.html)

(http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/fj1200alf/kdada2015_zpskgklgilr.jpg) (http://s1133.photobucket.com/user/fj1200alf/media/kdada2015_zpskgklgilr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Alte Fahrt on April 21, 2016, 09:49:48 AM
Quote from: balky1 on April 21, 2016, 02:14:23 AM
From May 12 one of the greatest rallys in Croatia is scheduled in Umag, Istria. Free camping, discounted rooms for those that don't like nature :greeting:

Always couple of thousands bikes and people from thee whole Europe.

If you are coming, let me know.

Ivan

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure my old bones (back and knees) of bike is up to a long trip like. I haven't had any problems with the bike since I had the tank repaired (sand blasted and epoxy coated on the inside) but about 300 km is my limit for a days ride. I would have to leave about 2 weeks early to make it if the bike held up. Besides that my language skills are horrible. I've live here off and on for over 40 years and I still have problems with the language sometimes. Would have been nice though, I turn 62 on May 13.

(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-transport031.gif)

Thanks
Gary
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: balky1 on April 21, 2016, 10:35:12 AM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 21, 2016, 09:49:48 AM
Quote from: balky1 on April 21, 2016, 02:14:23 AM
From May 12 one of the greatest rallys in Croatia is scheduled in Umag, Istria. Free camping, discounted rooms for those that don't like nature :greeting:

Always couple of thousands bikes and people from thee whole Europe.

If you are coming, let me know.

Ivan

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure my old bones (back and knees) of bike is up to a long trip like. I haven't had any problems with the bike since I had the tank repaired (sand blasted and epoxy coated on the inside) but about 300 km is my limit for a days ride. I would have to leave about 2 weeks early to make it if the bike held up. Besides that my language skills are horrible. I've live here off and on for over 40 years and I still have problems with the language sometimes. Would have been nice though, I turn 62 on May 13.

(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-transport031.gif)

Thanks
Gary

Well, with that pace you would make it in 2 days no prob with some sleeping on the way. But I get you. It would be a nice birthday celebration though.
Title: Re: No Europe Rally
Post by: Troyskie on April 21, 2016, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: Alte Fahrt on April 21, 2016, 01:59:23 AM
Beer we can do. :drinks: And a schnitzel or two. :good2:Just let me know when and where. Since I'm mostly retired my time is very flexible.

As for the rally I have some ideas but will have to wait and see.

Sounds good mate. I'll see what comes up closer to July. March is more likely as I'll be closer with more time on my hands (I call that one a 'work' trip  :biggrin:)