| Author | Message | ||
     Hangetsu |
Being pretty new to the Buell "Family", I'm not in the know regarding many Buell related events. Can someone give me a brief rundown on what "Homecoming" is; time of year, location (I'm assuming East Troy), events and activities, etc. From the little snippets I've see posted here and about, it sounds like a fun event. Thanks. A- | ||
| F_skinner |
Alex, it is a great time. Maximum, Troyz and myself were just talking about heading out there this year, you will be more than welcome to go with. I do not know if Zac is going but we don't call him Crazy Zac for nothing. My first one was last year although I have been riding a Buell since 97, I never got to make one due to my job. Here is my take on it. A lot of activities, Plant Tour, track day, demo rides, summer fest etc. Lynn and I were wiped out every day after the events. Since we have been riding for a while we have been to many biker events from wild to mild. Lynn did not want to go since she does not ride a Buell but she had a great time and wants to go again. It helps that she is from that area. I spent some time talking to some of the guys that were working the event. Not from Buell but from Harley. They are passionate about their job and they were able to answer some questions about a shovelhead project of mine. They were Old School and the kind of biker you do not see much of anymore. The factory photographer took a crap load of pictures of my bike but I probably ruined it by being in the pic. We did not go to all the events since we were splitting our time between visiting her family, looking at property and riding on our own but the best part of the whole event was hanging out in the parking lot with like minded individuals on all different makes and models of Buells in various stages of repair and rideability. I made friends there that I will have the rest of my life. I got to thank Mr Buell for building my bike and even saw a couple of guys peddling some books for food money or something. We had a good showing from Colorado and next year I hope we have even more. Ratbuell and I rode together from the hotel to the factory, side by side, on S2s. That was worth the trip for me. Everyone will have a different view but I would go again even if all I got to do was hang in a parking lot surrounding by 300 Buells and Buell riders. Frank | ||
| Hangetsu |
Thanks Frank. Sounds like a "Blast"  One more question though - when is it? A- | ||
| F_skinner |
And that is the 64,000 dollar question. The dates have not been announced yet. | ||
| Hangetsu |
Any approximations - at least month? | ||
| F_skinner |
Last year it was over the 4th of July weekend but in years past it has been in June. I cannot remember the time it was announced last year but think it was in the Feb Mar timeframe. | ||
| Hangetsu |
As long as it's in the summer time, I'm good. Some events are scheduled in the spring before school's out and it's impossible for me to make those. Thanks. I look forward to hearing more as thinks unfold. Cheers. A- | ||
| Seanp |
even saw a couple of guys peddling some books for food money or something.  | ||
| Svh |
I have heard that a scaled down version is going to happen this year but no one was sure of the date yet. At least thats what they told me | ||
| Ourdee |
Do they have soda pop in the parking lot? | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
One thing I learned about Homecoming is not to be a cheap ass. Last year was our second year in a row, gas prices were around $4/gal and I didn't want to use the host hotel because I could save bucks elsewhere. Well, we rode from Nebraska, my wife, son and I on separate bikes and stayed the first night at a low end motel near Milwaukee. It was such a depressing hole that the absolute second we checked in I called the host hotel and they were kind enough to give us the Buell deal for the next two nights. The host hotel was pretty darn nice and the breakfasts were fantastic. The bus ride to Summerfest was first rate. Buell factory events are always the best. And the capper is the ride up to Road America. The whole trip was just a great time except for seeing Maximum's son, Sean's Buell Blast all wadded up and wondering what shape he was in. He survived with a lesson learned, albeit a broken collar bone, road rash, and wadded Blast. | ||
| F_skinner |
Eglider, I know what you mean. I figured gas for the two bikes then at the last minute we had to take the truck and about crapped when I looked at the cost of diesel!!!! It was still worth it. In the long run I am glad I took the truck because that is how Sean's bike got back to Colorado. If Homecoming was hosted in a swamp I would pitch a tent and have a good time. | ||
| Ratbuell |
+1 for riding to the factory alongside another gorgeous S2  It was an amazing event, and also my first. To tell you how good it is...my wife, not nearly the rabid biker I am, licensed and capable but much preferring to ride pillion, LOVED the event. Thank god. LOL. We met some incredible people, both employees and owners. I learned the roads in MD aren't so bad, at least as far as expansion joints go. There was a pretty good band one night in a tiki bar. Laura did a hell of a job putting the whole thing together....but like Frank, I thought the best part was the parking lot. High tech, flashy, super-swank...sitting in a parking lot surrounded by bikes, riders, and good times. It was the best. The date follows the CCS race at Road America. Usually. As noted above, the dates should be announced soon. I'd not be surprised to see less in terms of the agenda this year - last year was the 25th Anniversary, so I know they did extra-special stuff (it was also HD's 105th). But my understanding is, the Road America visit, the factory tours, demo rides, and great times with great people - they're all standard equipment | ||
| Crusty |
I would go again even if all I got to do was hang in a parking lot surrounding by 300 Buells and Buell riders. Homecoming is one of the neatest things a Buell rider can do. I would be happy if the factory only set up a Host hotel, and let us do factory tours. We can come up with enough activities on our own to have fun, and help keep the Factory's expenses down. (I bet the 25th cost them a bundle!) Hell, I wouldn't mind too much if the factory said they were too broke to afford Homecoming. Then we could throw our own; like we did for the 20th Anniversary. In any event, it will be a boat load of fun! | ||
| Rocketsprink |
I can bet it will be June 5-7. Same weekend as the AMA races at Road America. Being that Buell will be running in the AMA. | ||
| Troyyz |
Alex, I echo Frank's comments. It would be great to get a bunch together from CO and enjoy the ride out. Last year, Maximum, his son, and I made a big adventure out of it but I am up for a scaled down version (direct) or a similar ride based upon a group consensus. Here are the links chronicling our 3100 mile, 10-day adventure getting there... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/374577.html?1214986401 ...and getting home http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/371855.html?1215633271 When the snow melts I am always up for ride in the Rockies as are most of the other guys.  | ||
| Diablobrian |
Homecoming is not to be missed if you can find ANY way to make it viable. | ||
| Svh |
I am really looking forward to going to this this year. Hopefully it will work as my weekends in June are full already although if they do it the 5-7 I was planning on being at the races anyway. | ||
| Freak |
we went in 07 and had a blast, planning on going this year  | ||
| Maximum |
Here was my write up of the 2007 homecoming: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/289706.html They are a lot of fun...even with some challenges.  Buell riders are the greatest!  | ||
| Joe_solo |
Homecoming for 2009 http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35680 (Message edited by Joe_solo on March 01, 2009) | ||
| Charlie_zulu |
Is there a host hotel for this years Buell Homecoming? I've tried to e-mail them but no answers? |
