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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive 0212 (December 2002) » Memories and Thanks » Possibilities for Homecoming 2002? « Previous Next »

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Archive through December 11, 2001Mikej15 12-11-01  02:08 am
Archive through December 14, 2001Mikej15 12-14-01  10:20 am
         

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Lake_Bueller
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 09:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jerry, It was great meeting you yesterday to talk about the "homecoming". I think we've made some good progress. I think that the weekend of August 2nd would work the best. I'll start making some phone calls today to secure rooms.

Mennis
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Mikej
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 10:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sorry I missed you guys, I was otherwise engaged and couldn't make it.
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Blastin
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 03:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mennis,

I think my wife really appreciated the chilli and hot fries later on. :)

The weekend of August 2nd sounds good. Gives us plenty of time to set things up, and find some good routes for people. :)


Everybody,

Chime in with your wants, needs, opinions, etc. Do people want to have a "Dinner" on Saturday night, or would you rather do a pig roast/bar-b-que or something to that effect, or nothing at all? How about a charity raffle? This will be our "Homecoming" so we can try and do whatever we want.

Jerry
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Mikej
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 04:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jerry,
Did you think about locations? That might help decide on other choices. List the thoughts you two came up with so far.

Also, is this envisioned as a "rider's" event, as in "if you ain't on a bike and ridin' you'll be bored out of your gourd"? Or are you thinking of having it someplace with nearby activities for the non-riders and tired-riders and broke-down riders (crashes, mechanical failures, flat tires, just being realistic but stuff does happen sometimes).

This does bring up a thought, we might consider having a sag-wagon somewhat available. For example, as long as I'm still in town and my van makes it thru another chem/salted winter (assuming we actually have a winter this winter), my van might be available depending on where we home-base the event/gathering.

A BBQ would work, or just reserve a restaurant with a party-room if their rates are reasonable. Or look into renting a VFW hall for the Saturday night festivities.

If things are centered in the SW corner of the state, or along/close to the Mississippi then there could be an option for non-riders to hit a riverboat for the afternoon while the riders ride. If it's close to the Dells or someplace like that then just turn them loose and catch up with them when the riding is done for the day.

Anyway, just some rambling thoughts from my tired brain.

If you go to the SacBorg site you'll find their events below the discussions section. The Meet in the Middle event is there as well as a couple of others.
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Blastin
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 04:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mike,

We were looking along the Janesville, Madison area , to Portage Corridor. These areas have larger hotels with pools, bars, restaraunts, activities etc. Yet they are far enough from the truly tourist areas to be able to get a fair price in the summer. There are campgrounds for those that would like to camp. Mennis is working on the hotel aspect. He is in the hotel business and knows some tricks of the trade.

The area is along interstate for those traveling in from a distance, and is not that far from the twisties of SW Wisconsin.:) It is a short jump to the Dells(tourist traps, waterparks, lots of state parks and all of that type of thing) for non-riders, and Milaukee and East Troy are not that far.

Jerry
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Lake_Bueller
Posted on Monday, December 17, 2001 - 06:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Okay, I think I found a host hotel. Its a family run hotel with 100 rooms in Portage (about 15 minutes from the Dells). There is camping close. They have a restaurant and lounge on property (with live entertainment on weekends), indoor pool with whirlpool. The rate is $69 for a double room and $89 for suites. They also have a banquet facility but it is booked on Saturday.

I haven't spoken with the manager/owner yet but I should be able to get us a $65 rate.

I'm still looking in the Madison area but not much for amenities in the hotels (i.e. bars). Also, the prices are the same or higher.

Any insight or thoughts would be appreciated (but remember: Opitions are like A*&SHOLES, everybody has one!!)


Mennis
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Blastin
Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 11:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mennis,
Portage would be an excellent location in my opinion.:)

I will be headed through Madison and Portage (I90-94) on Friday morning.(On my way to the in-laws for Christmas) I can check out the hotels in person so we know what to expect. Or I can meet with the owners/managers and talk if needed.


Let me know

Jerry
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Johnnybravo
Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

well bring me up to speed guys cause i know a few guys from the detroit area that wanna go an i have a few connections myself
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Rippin
Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 11:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mike,

I like your SW Wisc. area by the Miss. Sounds like you've been around there and know the roads. There are two dealers(actually one w/a satelite very close to there) Wilwerts in Dubuque and in Galena just across the border in Io. and Il. also one in Sauk Prarie. Seems like if we try should have no prob getting some help from them. I can get with the bunch at Wilwerts they are a great group.

The Madison area has awesome roads and quante little towns also. The Slimey Crud run this fall was a hoot!

New Diggins has a couple nice watering(gathering)holes that are very biker friendly too.
Roads in that area are great scenic and tire chewers.

Well just my 2cents. Anyone need some help count me in.

Ryan
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Lake_Bueller
Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2001 - 10:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

More info on the Homecoming front...
1) We need a name. Any ideas? Roaring through the Homeland? Something along that line.
2) It looks like the dates will be August 2-4.
3) Host location: Portage, WI
Ridge Motor Inn
I got us a rate of $62.00 per room!!! Awesome rate for a summer weekend in Wisconsin.
4) For more info on the area, visit Portage, WI Chamber

That's all for now.

Mennis
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BrentX1
Posted on Wednesday, December 19, 2001 - 10:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

How about "Homeland Homecoming". I think it is a poor decision on Buell's part not to continue the tradition. It sure sounds like a Harley idea. If they knew they could sell the XB9R for 20,000, they would sure as hell have a homecoming. I also think it is a great thing you guys are doing. I have lost a little faith in the Buell organization. Let me know if you need anything.
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Blastin
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 09:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mennis,

Great work. That is a phenomonal rate for that area, especially in the summer.(You didn't have to promise anything to the owners daughter or anything like that now did you. :) )

I think I'll swing by the hotel Friday morning anyway, just to start getting myself excited about the event.

How about "Pounding the Prarie"? :)


Jerry
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Mikej
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I like that one, Pounding the Prairie, or maybe Thunder on the Range to play off the Thunder in the Mountains theme to link all the grass roots events somewhat together. Maybe even just call it the Prairie Thunder Days? I can even sort of start to visualize a t-shirt logo. (Hmmm, gives me an idea to revisit, a theme of sorts, perhaps a 2003/100th paint job maybe, hmmm.)
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Lake_Bueller
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 12:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I like Prarie Thunder Days! It may be a little too much like "Days of Thunder". However, I think it gives the meaning of the event without using the word "homecoming". I can already picture a hundred Buells tearing up the cow pastures and Amish wagons! Sending people running in all directions.

Mike- Let me know about your t-shirt logo. I have a local silk screen company that will probably give me a good price. And speaking of tee shirts, do you want to be in charge of this aspect? Jerry & I thought we may be able to get some sponsers for the shirts. We would put their logo on the back (i.e. 5k fun run style).

Jerry- I told the owner's son/manager (Kevin) that you may be stopping by this weekend. He works the evening shift so he won't be there. The owner (Dave) will be there instead.

I'm going to contact Marty at Sauk Prarie for some possible routes. From my personal experience, it's best to just go out and get lost!

Mennis
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Mikej
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 01:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mennis,
I'll have to find someone good with art or some paint computer program. I can see the image in my head, and it could work out well, but I'll have to see what it looks like in print. Now let's see, who do I know of in the greater Milwaukee area who knows a bit of Buell history and won't draw one looking like a ninja, and also has a bit of a sense of humor, and just enough of an edge to get the grin down right, hmmm, wonder if he'll speak up whoever it is. The graphics should go well with just 2-3 colors, would even work in black&white. Oh well, we'll see what happens. Maybe I'll contact my sister in Seattle and see if she's up for a side job with the artwork.

I'll know better what my schedule looks like after the first of the year. We've had some major reorg's internally here, and the official restructure meetings are in January. I can't even lock in my school class schedule until then.
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Blastin
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 02:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

How about just "Prarie Thunder"? Or should we ask the Thunder in the Mountain guys and gals if they don't mind if we we can, as Mike said "keep the link of events together", by using "Thunder in the Praire"

Just typing out loud that's all.

I will try to stop by the hotel to say Hi to the owner.

I won't be posting much until after Christmas(I think the in-laws just got rid of their rotary dial phone not too long ago), so I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Jerry
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Mikej
Posted on Thursday, December 20, 2001 - 03:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Brad/BluzM2 just posted a message on the main board and listed the events he plans to attend. The name Prairie Thunder looked good in the string of events. So I hereby cast my vote for "Prairie Thunder" as the official name for our unnofficial event.

I'll call my sister in the next day or two and see if I can get some t-shirt artwork started.
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Tracesof
Posted on Sunday, December 30, 2001 - 09:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey guys...I'm just catchin myself up on you're plans to organize Homecoming 2002(i'm sad to hear that Buell is not involved)I'll help anyway I can, and i'll try and get our Chapter involved.
Contact me anytime: tracesof@aol.com
Have A Happy New Year
Ray Montemagni
Windy City B.R.A.G. Director
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Dynarider
Posted on Wednesday, January 09, 2002 - 09:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It's not just Buell that is not having a homecoming this year. HOG is also not doing the Milwaukee deal this year. No mention of why it has been put on hold, but my speculation has to do with poor attendance in 01 & concentrating on the 100 yr anniversary.
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H_Man
Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Poor attendance in '01"? How many people do they want in order to be happy?! Each venue was very crowded this past. If it's a zoo that's too crowded to move around, or if they just want mega impressive photo ops for the news cameras, then they can count me out.
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Dynarider
Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 02:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I didnt see these "crowded" venues this year. Short lines for demo rides at pilgrim, factory tours were like visiting a ghost town. Downtown Milwaukee had no traffic issues, no long lines of bikes. Only time it appeared there was anyone there was sat evening. Compared to the 2000 event in milwaukee or even the 1999 in S.Carolina attendance was pitiful.

In 99 Harley announced they would be holding the annual rally in milwaukee every year till the 100th anniversary. Kinda funny how after 2 events this years is not happening. If they were attempting to create an event that would withstand the test of time, such as Sturgis or Daytona, I dont think it's going to happen.

And as far as the Buell homecoming this year, we had no vendor booths at the factory, no speakers of notority. From my own perspective & that of quite a few others I spoke with out in East troy, attendance was dismal. Why can't they have demo rides & battletrack out in East Troy?
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Buellish
Posted on Friday, January 11, 2002 - 11:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Why can't they have demo rides & battletrack out in East Troy?" I second that!The road surface at Pilgram Road was f*#^ing terrible!
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Rippin
Posted on Tuesday, January 15, 2002 - 11:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You can say that again Buellish! I was pretty pissed off when I got there Saturday. I can't wait til Peoria B-trax this year. I went to it in '00 and it rocked.
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H_Man
Posted on Friday, January 18, 2002 - 04:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Greg,

I guess my use of the adjective "very" may have been a bit much. One's perspective of a crowd or comfortable number of people is subjective. I thought the Summerfest grounds was pretty packed (but then again, I was there for the Blues Brothers performance). The number of people at the Pilgrim Road factory seemed pretty big to me. Not a grand event with enormous crowds like an auto show in Chicago, Detroit or New York, but I thought it certainly was sizeable enough to be considered a success.

You have an advantage over me having been to previous Homecomings and HOG Rallies. You can compare the numbers in 2001 to other years. Possibly your perspective on the turnout is shared by BMC and that went into their decision not to do a 2002 Homecoming.

H-man
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Iamike
Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2002 - 09:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Since you guys are in this area I'll post this note here.

Waterloo HD/Buell is having an open house April 27/28. There will be Firebolt demo rides and and a Batletrax. If you're interested come on down.

You can see our whole schedule in the 'Storm Fronts' section.

Once you get about 50mi. in from the Mississippi our roads get kind of boring but I'm getting BluzM2 to come down from the Cities and we're going out to this 'cook your own' steak place.
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Thunder
Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 07:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I am looking for interested riders for the Road America AMA/Pro Thunder June 6 - 9th. I have spoke to several people and they informed me that this was the original date for East Troy BRAG. How about it?
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