Americade 17

[ReserveBum]

Re-starting this thread.......A few folks were looking at getting together during Americade (June 6-10). We had briefly discussed dates and routes but came to no firm conclusion. Some of us go earlier so its possible we can do multiple rides.
I'll suggest Monday, June 5 for those that are there early for a ride.
Let us know your schedules and we will figure out a day thats convenient for all.
Now....where to go????
1) VT Rt 100 - Ben & Jerry's. - Could also include Lake Champlain ferry or not.
2)Lake Placid Run -RT 28 etc through the lake region. Back on 73 through Keene Valley
3) Rt 9N to Sacandaga the RT 4 to RT 28 and 30, south to Old Forge or could take 30N to Rt 8 and back that way

Add other ideas....

Look forward to riding weather!

[wjduke]

Do you think I could do this on a one day ride? My vacation days this summer were going to be Fridays and Mondays. If possible, I'd schedule that ride. I think that's a good 4 hours one way for me. Been up there once before.

[Bob Penn]

I think the first question that should be asked has to be, why am I going to Americade?

If your going to see the rally, that is to see the exhibits and vendors, maybe test ride various bikes and trikes, or just experience the fun of the together, you had better plan on spending at least 5 hours plus lunch just for that. Considering most of us will be riding at least 2 hours each way that's a full day right there. Then, from experience, I've learned many of the exhibitors are not fully set up on the starting Monday and the rally doesn't get going until Tuesday at best. I just checked Americade's web site this year the show is not even scheduled to start until Tuesday the 6.

If your going just to ride the beautiful areas suggested, your going to need a full day just for riding. If your going for the riding maybe a better date would be the week after Americade when the crowds are gone and the odds of better weather are in your favor. Just remember Laconia Starts that week and NH traffic lights up.

As for myself I plan on going up for 1 day on Wednesday to see the show improved, then follow up riding NH the following week. All subject to change based on weather and stimulus.

[wjduke]

I think the first question that should be asked has to be, why am I going to Americade?

If your going to see the rally, that is to see the exhibits and vendors, maybe test ride various bikes and trikes, or just experience the fun of the together, you had better plan on spending at least 5 hours plus lunch just for that. Considering most of us will be riding at least 2 hours each way that's a full day right there. Then, from experience, I've learned many of the exhibitors are not fully set up on the starting Monday and the rally doesn't get going until Tuesday at best.

If your going to ride the beautiful areas suggested, your going to need a full day just for riding. If your going for the riding maybe a better date would be the week after Americade when the crowds are gone and the odds of better weather are in your favor. Just remember Laconia Starts that week and NH traffic lights up.

As for myself I plan on going up for 1 day on Wednesday to see the show and then follow up riding NH the following week. All subject to change based on weather and stimulus.

I could care less about the show and booths. I want to ride. If it means I leave at 5am, I'll do it. By June, the sun lit days are long and an all day ride is what I want. It's the damn rain.....Bob, you stay away! :)

[Bob Penn]

I could care less about the show and booths. I want to ride. If it means I leave at 5am, I'll do it. By June, the sun lit days are long and an all day ride is what I want. It's the damn rain.....Bob, you stay away! :)

Please see change, this year Americade doesn't start until Tuesday the 6. I've been doing that show up there for the past 16 years. I always wondered who brought the rain, hail and snow! You know I don't ride in that stuff. I'm strictly a fair weather sailor.

PS Thanks for telling me there's a strong possibility of rain every Friday and Monday through out the 2017 season.

[ReserveBum]

Hard to believe but Americade is only a month away!
Anyone going, let me know and we'll set something up

[wjduke]

There was some talk of meeting the day before to beat the crowds for a ride. I have a planned day off to make it. If this is something anyone wants to do, I'm in. I could arrange a different day, but I'm looking at keeping it a one day thing.

[DMAGOLDRDR]

There was some talk of meeting the day before to beat the crowds for a ride. I have a planned day off to make it. If this is something anyone wants to do, I'm in. I could arrange a different day, but I'm looking at keeping it a one day thing.

Every year I go up but just for the day. Always depends on work but usually Wed or Thurs.

A few of us will head out in the AM and take the scenic way up either RT7 or RT22 to Cambridge and then across to 87 for the last 15miles into Lake George, with a couple stops along the way up that takes just under 4 hrs to get there. We take a quick walk around the Vendors (one of us always needs some little thing) and walk up to Main St for Lunch and head back. That is all I ever have time for but it takes pretty much all day.

[wjduke]

Every year I go up but just for the day. Always depends on work but usually Wed or Thurs.

A few of us will head out in the AM and take the scenic way up either RT7 or RT22 to Cambridge and then across to 87 for the last 15miles into Lake George, with a couple stops along the way up that takes just under 4 hrs to get there. We take a quick walk around the Vendors (one of us always needs some little thing) and walk up to Main St for Lunch and head back. That is all I ever have time for but it takes pretty much all day.

I'm not into that walking around crap...but I do want to ride! I'll follow and see what happens. You know I have no problem starting early and riding all day.

[lurking luddite]

Hope to be there but not with big red. Hoping to take a couple of vintage bikes for display and ride.

[Bob Penn]

My current plan is to ride up 209-N to the thruway on Wed. or Thur. morning (depending on the weather).
I plan to depart Metamoris rest area 6:30 am arriving in Lake George around 11 am. This should allow for 1 "P" stop, gas, and coffee.
Then take in the vendors area (I need a new pair of riding gloves:icon_lol:) don't forget there is a second vendors area up at the farm that's been growing in size every year.
Then have a late lunch "coffee" before heading home.
If I'm too tired to ride all the way home after doing all that walking and drinking all that coffee I may stay over one night at the Landmark Inn. It's a nice reasonable little 110 room motel with an indoor and outdoor pool complete with a hot tub and free breakfast.
While there we could put together a meeting spot and co-ordinate via phone.
But it's all flexible!

[wjduke]

I wouldn't mind meeting Dan either in Danbury or further north, but Matamoras at 6:30 ain't happening! I could ride directly to Lake George and try to meet up. I have a physical scheduled on Wednesday, so that's out for me...let's see what happens for Thursday. I'm still open for the Monday before too.

[ReserveBum]

Sounds like we should have two meets.....First one on Monday or Tuesday for riding. Second on Wednesday for Tour Expo and lunch.

For Riding - we can do any of the aforementioned rides depending on your schedules. I am in Bolton Landing all week so my dates/times are open. Plus we can do a barbecue at the hotel I stay at if there is any interest.

For Tour Expo/Lunch - we could meet at a vendors booth. They have quite a few food vendors so we could add lunch there or go to any of the local places (or we could do the barbecue at my hotel).

Good thing we are getting the crappy weather out of the way now!

[Bob Penn]

I wouldn't mind meeting Dan either in Danbury or further north, but Matamoras at 6:30 ain't happening! I could ride directly to Lake George and try to meet up. I have a physical scheduled on Wednesday, so that's out for me...let's see what happens for Thursday. I'm still open for the Monday before too.

Yes, that would be silly for you to ride all the way south just to ride north. I only mentioned my planned route and time schedules so anyone coming from the south or from the immediate area could join up if they had a hankerin.

From my experience there is one stop I make each year on the way up from Matamoras. It's as far as my bladder will carry the morning coffee. Fortunately, there's a gas and rest stop on the NY thruway 7 miles north of the, Kingston, exit that I usually stop at. I'll be there between 8:30 and 9 am. Feeling better, I'm on to Lake George for the 11 o'clock arrival at the grass parking area next to the vendor's area. Dejavu and new gloves.

[Bob Penn]

Good thing we are getting the crappy weather out of the way now!

Crappy weather?? What crappy weather? Oh you mean Wayne's organic bike wash! :039::icon_lol::icon_lol:
It's just a spring thing.

[Bob Penn]

The weather is still too far out to predict. So far our weather is typical Americade weather, rainy one minute sunny the next. But we are getting close, only a week and a half to go.
My plans remain steadfast. I'm going on Wed the 7 :shrug:, or maybe Thur. the 8 :shrug:, or possibly Fri. the 9 :shrug:. Will it hail? Will it snow? I sure would like some SUN damn it!!!!

Anybody else thinking about it?

[wjduke]

I was hoping for Monday the 5th. Long range forecast has 2 sunny days in it. I might just pass this time.

[ReserveBum]

I'll be there starting this saturday (June 3)...Let me know when and we can get together

[Bob Penn]

I was hoping for Monday the 5th. Long range forecast has 2 sunny days in it. I might just pass this time.

The show doesn't start until Tuesday the 6th. I believe you're only going up for the great riding. If that is the case you might want to put it off until later in the month when the carnival isn't in town.
As for myself, I go to see the show, it's a 3 + hour ride up interrupted by 5 hours of shopping and eating followed by a 3 + hour ride home. That is enough riding for me in one day and I'll be fed and spent.

Now all I need is a day without rain.

[wjduke]

Right now, 7 days out, it looks like rain. What a shock. It's going to rain here every other day for the next week just about. Glad I got in nearly 500 in the last two days. She's idle today. I still have a tentative day off from work on the 5th. Have to wait it out.

[DMAGOLDRDR]

I'm of the same thinking as Bob. I ride up to Lake George for lunch and to ride the nice roads often, so when Americade is on I go for the rally. 3 1/2- 4hr hr ride depending on the chosen route, walk the vendors area and then walk up into town to eat and ride home.

I usually try for a Thursday (the 8th this year) but keep it open for weather.

I will keep an eye on this thread to see how it all plays out.

[Bob Penn]

I'm of the same thinking as Bob. I ride up to Lake George for lunch and to ride the nice roads often, so when Americade is on I go for the rally. 3 1/2- 4hr hr ride depending on the chosen route, walk the vendors area and then walk up into town to eat and ride home.

I usually try for a Thursday (the 8th this year) but keep it open for weather.

I will keep an eye on this thread to see how it all plays out.

Be aware!!
We are in the usual Americade weather pattern that forced Noah into selling his bike, buying a boat, and joining the yacht club!

Which route do you take up? Do you know of a good place to stop for cheese danish ?

Would you happen to know where I can find a giraffe and a donkey to fill out my crew?

[wjduke]

I'm going to officially back out of this trip...I'll try to meet up in Laconia later on.

[Bob Penn]

This morning's forecast for next Wed. actually looks good :yikes:. Thank you Wayne. :icon_lol:

[wjduke]

This morning's forecast for next Wed. actually looks good :yikes:. Thank you Wayne. :icon_lol:

Funny Bob....real funny! :)

[DMAGOLDRDR]

Be aware!!
We are in the usual Americade weather pattern that forced Noah into selling his bike, buying a boat, and joining the yacht club!
Which route do you take up? Do you know of a good place to stop for cheese danish ?
Would you happen to know where I can find a giraffe and a donkey to fill out my crew?


I usually run up RT7 and 22 until Cambridge and then into the little roads (372 & 32)
No "great" Cheese Danish up there.

I'll stay away from the Donkey jokes....

[naga viper]

I am taking Thursday and Friday off work. Plan on heading out 8am or hopefully earlier. Going to Ranchero campground and setting up taking a nap
(have been getting up for work 130am) planning on heading to watering hole for concert (band that will be playing at americade) Friday hitting Rally
checking vendors 1st then unsure. leaving Saturday open for ? riding ect.
Would like to take Wednesday off also and leave then?

[Bob Penn]

Checked this morning's weather forecast, they have at least rain showers forecasted for every day through Friday. Saturday is the only dry day but it's also crowd day. I think I'll use the luxury of the retirement card and play it day by day.
Next week is looking better for Laconia.

[wjduke]

I may head to Laconia this Saturday with a Honda Shadow and a Harley. I don't discriminate. I hope to ride more than walk....

[ReserveBum]

Rode up Saturday,it was dry until late afternoon. Got in quick ride.
Sunday was dry until 2, got a nice ride in as well.
Monday was mostly dry until about 2 again. Rode down to the dealer in Queensbury and got my new Dunlops mounted.
Today is a washout so far (3pm).
Wednesday and Thursday look dry.
Friday chance of rain spotty.
Saturday and Sunday look mostly dry.

So far Naga Viper and Jeff (zz) look like they maybe coming tomorrow.

Stay in touch if anyone wants to get together.

[zzh54]

I should be up and ready to hit the road by 7 am Thursday. Not in any hurry as I have seen what a moment of lost concentration can lead to..
Staying until some time Saturday. Anyone around in those days give out a yell, we can meet up.
Jeff

[DMAGOLDRDR]

If anyone is interested. A few guys will be following me up Thursday morning.

We are meeting at 7am at Panera Bread (the old Marcus Dairy in Danbury CT) ...OR... 9am at the NEW Truckstop on RT22 just off 90 (NY Thru way / Mass TPK)

It is just a day ride up, walk the Vendors then lunch and ride back.

[Radical Taz]

Drove up today from Jersey from just outside of Philly.
290 miles 6hrs flat, not a single traffic jam.
Saw four B's today red, blue, grey and a black one staying at the same motel as me, the Sundowner.
The weather was amazing and supposed to be 80 tomorrow. It should be great riding weather, can't wait.
Rod.

[naga viper]

Thanks for hunting us down reservebum and zzh54 it was so awesome to meet and really enjoyed our conversations we ended up hitting one loop you mentioned after we hit Warrensburg bike rally
We met some cool people rode some nice roads (even the rough roads were better than pa's) will definitely go back probably not during americade.

[ReserveBum]

Thanks for hunting us down reservebum and zzh54 it was so awesome to meet and really enjoyed our conversations we ended up hitting one loop you mentioned after we hit Warrensburg bike rally
We met some cool people rode some nice roads (even the rough roads were better than pa's) will definitely go back probably not during americade.

Good meeting you and your better half as well.....great week of riding. Saw bunches of our F6B's, many more than in previous years. Maybe they are finally catching on????
Sat on the new Yamaha tourer...nice looking on person but when I went to move it off the side stand, it really was a big difference. That suckers heavy.
Tour Expo was noticeably smaller than in previous years.
I will also be back up there for a non Americade ride. Let me know when and we can set it up. Jeff would probably be into that as well. That area is nice in the fall, so maybe late September?

[zzh54]

Jim, as always thanks for the hospitality and the tours. Naga Viper, nice meeting you and your better half. Enjoyed talking with both of you and you put some insight to so questions I had.

I almost had to call you ( Jim ) when we split Friday I went for a ride. Little did I know they don't have gas stations on every corner up there. Got pretty nervy there for a bit. Rode over to Speculator then up to Indian Lake, then over to Blue Mountain Lake then on up to Long lake then looped around on 28N back to motel. Yup, got some miles in there.

If we going to do a F6B rally pre run, for sure I will be in. Rally in the north. Has a nice ring to it.

Anyway, thanks for the rides, and we did have some great weather.. Jeff

[wjduke]

I'd love to be a part of an after Americade ride. I have vacation days to use. It's all about timing and weather. I need to give a bit of notice for a weekday.